EES-ETIAS Advisory Group Reviews Progress Towards Key Milestones

On 2–3 September, the EES-ETIAS Advisory Group held its regular meeting at eu-LISA Headquarters in Tallinn and online. Representatives from EU Member States, Associated Countries, EU Agencies and the European Commission reviewed the state of play in the preparations for two major milestones:

• the Entry/Exit System (EES), due to become operational on 12 October 2025
• the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026

Final Preparations for the Entry/Exit System

The central EES, developed by eu-LISA, is operationally ready. Over the summer, Member States conducted intensive testing, rehearsing real border-crossing scenarios at checkpoints. These activities will continue until the entry into operation (EiO).

A large-scale rehearsal has already confirmed the successful connection of national systems to the central EES, offering valuable input for final adjustments. A final joint rehearsal is planned for September to ensure full readiness ahead of the roll-out.

In August, eu-LISA submitted its central roll-out plan to the European Commission. Member States’ national roll-out plans and mitigation measures are expected in September. Training of border guards remains a key focus in order to ensure smooth implementation at border-crossing points.

Compliance Testing Underway for ETIAS

Preparations for ETIAS are advancing steadily. The Compliance Testing campaign, launched in May 2025, is progressing in line with eu-LISA’s risk-mitigation approach. Member States have moved from initial connectivity checks to Compliance Testing, ensuring their national systems interact seamlessly with ETIAS. Business testing will follow at all levels, with further compliance testing activities planned for early 2026 to cover the extended legal scope.

Together with Frontex, eu-LISA is delivering technical and operational training. Dedicated sessions on ETIAS software for National Units were held in the second and third quarters of 2025, with additional training scheduled for the autumn.